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"Shepherd the flock"

Text: 1 Peter 5:2

THE WORK OF LOOKING AFTER THE CHURCH

Peter used the terminology that the Lord Jesus used when He spoke of Himself as the Good Shepherd (John 10). The care of the church may indeed be compared to that of a shepherd tending his flock.

“Shepherd the flock of God which is among you,
serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly,
not for dishonest gain but eagerly.”
1 Peter 5:2

1. “Shepherd the flock of God which is among you”

a) The members of the church were to be seen as “the flock of God”.

i) This is an imagery that is found also in the Old Testament (Psalm 100:3).

ii) God was described as caring for the flock through Moses and Aaron (Psalm 77:20).

iii) And of course, the famous Shepherd’s Psalm (Psalm 23).

b) The reminder to shepherd the flock of God. They had the best example to emulate!

i) The Lord Jesus was the greatest example of shepherding.

ii) He was the Door of the sheep (John 10:7, 9).

iii) He was the Good Shepherd who gave His life for His sheep (John 10:11).

iv) He was the Shepherd who knew His sheep (John 10:14).

2. “Serving as overseers”

a) As the church grows the work would expand.

i) There would be direct shepherding, where possible.

ii) There would also be others who would be helping to care for the flock.

b) The work of overseeing:

i) This work of overseeing must be expected.

ii) The Apostles oversaw the growth of the church (Judea, Samaria, Antioch).

iii) The elders were also asked to become overseers of the church.

3. Manner of service must be noted:

a) “Not by compulsion”

i) No sense of coercion ought to be felt.

ii) One must not feel that he is being compelled.

b) “But willingly”

i) This word is used as a contrast to “compulsion”.

ii) One serves willingly (readily).

c) “Not for dishonest gain”

i) He does not serve for monetary advantage.

ii) He is a labourer worthy of his hire.

d) “But eagerly”

i) This word is used in contrast to “dishonest gain”.

ii) He serves with a true sense of eagerness.